dong1 tau4 paang5 hot3當頭棒喝当头棒喝
Jyutpingdong1 tau4 paang5 hot3
Yaledōng tàuh páahng hot
Definition
To give someone a sudden wake-up call; to make someone realize their mistake.
writtenpeopleemotion
How it's used
Originating from Zen Buddhist practice where a master strikes a student to induce sudden enlightenment, this idiom carries a heavy, serious weight. It implies a shock that is necessary for growth, rather than just a simple piece of advice. People use it when someone has been stubbornly ignoring reality and finally faces a harsh truth.
Examples
His words were a real wake-up call, they made me snap out of it.
Are you trying to give those who are obsessed a wake-up call?
Related words
Common phrases
a sudden wake-up call
Common mistake
Do not use this for minor corrections or casual feedback. It describes a profound, often painful realization that changes a person's perspective, so applying it to trivial matters sounds overly dramatic or pretentious.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
